Used Ferrari California 2009-2017 review

The Ferrari California wasn't initially welcomed with open arms. Some didn't believe it was a "real Ferrari", because it was the cheapest model the iconic Italian brand made at the time. As time went on, mind you, many people warmed to its charms.

For starters, its engine is sublime. The 453bhp 4.3-litre V8 not only sounds incredible, but it propels this convertible sports car from 0-62mph in just 3.8sec. You also have its quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic gearbox to thank for this pace.

In the bends, there are sharper Ferraris out there, such as the Ferrari 488 GTB 2015-2020, but the California stiff offers up an extremely capable and exciting drive. It makes a commendable attempt at being a comfortable grand tourer, too, although there are alternatives better suited to this kind of work – the Bentley Continental GT Convertible is but one of them.

In 2014, the California was heavily revised to create the California T (pictured above). It gained a different look, as well as a different engine. Now a twin-turbocharged 552bhp V8, the 0-62mph time came down to 3.6sec. All of its predecessor's great handling qualities remain.

These qualities are enhanced in models with the Handling Speciale (HS) package. Gearchanges are marginally quicker and the ride is firmer, meaning it corners with less body lean than the standard car.

The driving position in the California and California T is especially good, with the wheel (on which most frequently used switches are mounted) positioned right where you want it.

You can get Californias as two-seaters with space for golf bags or suitcases in the cabin, or as a two-plus-two complete with child-seat mounting points. Being realistic, though, it's a two-plus-one at best. There's a 340-litre boot with through-loading into the cabin and it shrinks by only 100 litres with the folding metal roof down.

If you're interested in finding a used Ferrari California or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Have at least £55,000 if you fancy an early model. The T tends to go for upwards of £80,000. Final examples from 2017 can rise above £10,000.

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MPG

You'll see 22mpg on a good day. The T bumps this figure up to 27mpg.

Road tax

The California and California T each come in at £695 per year in road tax, unless you happen to have bought one of the final examples that were registered after April 2017 – these attract a flat fee of £180 per year.

Insurance and servicing

Have deep pockets for these two things. Servicing is costly and both the regular Cali and the T sit in the maximum insurance group of 50.

The California T is noticeably more modern than the regular California, plus it's faster. However, the normal Cali is more than exciting enough and, by choosing it, you'll save £25,000 (at most).

Customers were allowed to personalise the California almost as they liked inside, so there are likely to be a range of colours and textures on the used market.

Touch-screen sat-nav, a satellite tracking system to pinpoint the car if it's stolen, tyre pressure monitoring, electric heated seats and the full gamut of Formula One-derived traction and stability aids, plus carbon-ceramic brakes are all included.

Our favourite Ferrari California: California

Although the California and California T are two of the most affordable Ferraris of their respective ages, you wouldn't call them cheap – there are plenty of alternative sports cars available at their price points.

For around £50,000, you can pick up a previous-gen Audi R8 V10 Spyder. It's an extremely capable machine and one with a sonorous exhaust note, although, being an Audi, it doesn't quite have Ferrari's prestige. It's strictly two seats as well, meaning you miss out on the California's (albeit pea-sized) rear seats.

If you have California T money to spend, consider the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. Again, it doesn't have the Ferrari flair, but you'll be getting a newer car – for £80,000, it'll most likely be a 2018 model. Its V8 is muscular and so is its performance, so it's still plenty exciting.

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If you're interested in finding a used Ferrari California or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.